A Concrete Solution for Israel’s Most Vulnerable Children

In times of crisis like these, we witness the daily strength and courage of the People of Israel. From brave soldiers to everyday citizens, the months since October 7 have proven beyond doubt that there really is no nation like our own.

Yet, while we may have heard the shining examples of the resilience of Am Yisrael, many of their children face risks that are simply unacceptable to us in the diaspora.

A Call to Help Communities in Israel’s North

In November 2024, we reached out to our UIA NSW Young Leadership Division to help children living in Israel’s border communities who needed our support.

For children living in these locations, traveling on buses to schools, which are typically far from their homes, is both unsafe and unsustainable. The communities wanted to transform bomb shelters into classrooms where their children could learn free from fear.

UIA heard their plight and committed to transforming local bomb shelters into safe, fully-equipped classrooms.

UIA NSW’s Young Leadership Heeded the Call

To raise awareness and much-needed funds for this project, UIA NSW’s Young Leadership Division hosted three events and get togethers for the community. This included pre- Shabbat drinks with released hostage Liam Or, as well as an in-home brunch with Liam Or and Tom Ken Dror, whose brother Johnny was murdered at the Nova Festival in October 2023. There was also a dinner held for the Young Leadership community with Israeli-born Merivale chef, Tal Buchnick.

Converting Bomb Shelters into Classrooms

Donations from the UIA NSW’s Young Leadership events went towards outfitting these bomb shelters with the essential tools for continuous learning, close to home. This included replacing outdated facilities such as toilets, sinks, and cabinetry as well as the installation of classroom essentials such as desks, chairs, projectors, and screens.

In true UIA fashion, our donors’ support was overwhelming, and we raised enough to convert two bomb shelters into classrooms in northern Israel. These structures provide a safe and conducive learning environment during school hours and enable informal educational and recreational activities in the afternoons. These refurbished structures also serve as shelters during emergencies, ensuring the safety and comfort of children and staff.

By supporting this initiative, UIA donors not only contributed to the protection of our next generation, but the concrete building blocks of their future.